H-early Warning System
As a motorist and pedestrian, I frequently critique the driving skills of others. To be honest, this is one of my superpowers. These opinions are fiercest when I believe the “other” driver is not attentive. Examples include when I perceive the driver is texting while in motion, doesn’t stop for a stop sign or just seems oblivious. Lately I have noticed a combination faux pas when a driver stops, usually (but not always) near an intersection, presumably just to check directions, texts or whatever. The stop is not at the side of the road, is not accompanied by any turn indicators or signaling, but occurs in the middle of the lane. It’s as if the driver has paused for the journey’s intermission. The ambiguity of the situation makes it difficult for drivers coming up behind to know what to do. Has the car stalled? Should I honk? Is the driver conscious?
I was reminded recently of one of my vehicular mistakes. Radio programs and podcasts saved me when I commuted to Denver and then through the isolation of the pandemic. The listening habit, channeled through my iPhone, is even more ingrained now. The interface between my iPhone and the car’s sound system has stayed a mystery since I purchased the Subaru 6 years ago. It is often easier to just listen through my earbuds than to navigate the dials and jargon of the car’s display monitor. But this is wrong and I am mending my ways.
Under Colorado law, Colorado Revised Status § 42-4-1411 to be precise, I am not permitted to drive while wearing my slightly grimy and knotted $29.00 ear buds. Specifically:
(1)(a) No person shall operate a motor vehicle while wearing earphones.
(b) For purposes of this subsection (1), “earphones” includes any headset, radio, tape player, or other similar devise which provides radio programs, music, to other recorded information through a device attached to the head and which covers all of or a portion of the ears. “Earphones” does not include speakers or other listening devices that are built into protective headgear or a device or a portion of a device that only covers all or a portion of one ear and that is connected to a wireless, handheld telephone.
(2) Any person who violates this section commits a Class B traffic infraction.
To be clear, an “infraction” is not a mathematical concept, but a violation of the law. Infractions are to be avoided!
Going about one’s life can be a slippery slope of choices. I do not want to diminish my superpower (of noting others’ mistakes) by the muffled realization I have both ears blocked by my earbuds. From now on, it is one or none for me!